Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Hope's Adopt A Family Program

Originally published in the North Fort Myers Neighbor, Letters to the Editor

Thanks for the outpouring of generosityTo the Editor:

Each year during the holiday season, Hope Hospice works to ensure that the joys of the season are shared by those in our care through the Adopt-A-Family program.

Thanks to the outpouring of generosity from our community even during these uncertain economic times special gifts were provided to 145 families and 348 individuals in Hope's care.

You shared the holiday spirit in many forms: Warm robes and slippers to comfort the elderly spending the holidays without family; shiny new bikes and other toys that brought joy to children coping with life-limiting illness, and gift cards so families caring for a loved one could enjoy a little respite at a favorite restaurant.

Some of the most touching moments this year came from those who humbly requested the most basic necessities, like groceries for a holiday meal and shoes to replace a worn-out pair items that many of us may take for granted became cherished gifts this holiday season.

Each year during the holiday season, we're honored to have the privilege of helping our families celebrate the holidays through Hope's Adopt-a-Family.

We are deeply grateful to those of you who helped make the 2010 holiday season more special for those in our care. On behalf of everyone at Hope, I wish you all the best in the New Year.